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FIRST ASCENT EXPEDITION AWARD

In September 2016 GRIT&ROCK announced a launch of an annual international FIRST ASCENT EXPEDITION PRIZE to enable female first ascents. The award, the largest of its kind globally, funds projects of female-led expedition teams up to the amount of USD 10,000. The aims of the annually awarded prize is to promote and encourage female participation in pioneering alpine ascents. The Award is open to individuals and climbing teams with majority female participation and is meant to provide funding for those who need it most.

The award is judged in three categories:

PERFORMANCE

This category is reserved for ambitious high-altitude ascents where the degree of difficulty of the project is carefully matched by a well-demonstrated skill.

EXPLORATION

This award category is reserved for beautifully crafted and well thought through projects on a smaller scale, such as exploration and mapping of new routes in remote areas of the world.

APPRENTICESHIP/SPECIAL PRIZE

This category is reserved for projects aimed at advancement of alpine skills and independence of those who are making further steps in their climbing career. Past example of such projects include a route performed alpine-style by a Nepali female guide who has previously climbed only with the use of fixed ropes under supervision of another accomplished climber.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications should be submitted by email to award@gritandrock.com by January 15, 2019.

The jury will announce its decision by mid-February, 2019 at a ceremony in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.